Our site uses cookies to provide you with the best possible user experience, if you choose to continue then we will assume that you are happy for your web browser to receive all cookies from our website. If you would like more information, please visit our cookie policy page.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) supports the safe development of drones in the UK. Drones can bring many benefits but to achieve those we need everyone flying a drone now to do so safely.

We welcome plans to increase training for drone users and their awareness of safety rules. We have been working with Government and the aviation and drone industries to educate drone users. We have successfully promoted the Dronecode, which provides an easy to follow guide to UK drone rules. This is now included with most new drones sold in the UK. Since the campaign has been running we have seen a 50% increase in public awareness of the rules. But there is still more to be done by all parties and we remain committed to this work.

We would welcome a register of drone users that is tied to systems allowing real-time tracking and tracing of drones. This would be a significant aid to the police and others involved in enforcing drone regulations. In addition, we welcome steps to introduce no fly zones to improve safety and are actively involved in work to define these for drones in the future.

Fitting geofencing to drones, automatically stopping them flying close to airports and other key infrastructure, is also a key element of helping to make sure drones fly safely. Forthcoming drone rules for Europe being proposed by the European Aviation Safety Agency also call for mandatory geofencing for drones.

Anyone operating a drone must do so responsibly and observe all relevant rules and regulations. The rules for flying drones are designed to keep all airspace users safe. It is totally unacceptable to fly drones close to airports and other aircraft and anyone flouting the rules can face severe penalties including imprisonment.

The CAA's 'drone code' provides advice on how to fly your drone safely and responsibly. You must follow the rules at all times and can find more information at: www.dronesafe.uk Remember that you should never fly your drone above 400ft, should always keep it in your line of sight, and stay well away from airports and other aircraft.